FRANCE 98 – Team Detail

For several years now Iran has been one of the powers in Asian football. The Iranian federation was founded in 1920 but did not become affiliated with FIFA until 1945. It was only at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo that the national team had its first taste of international competition.

In 1968 Iran became Asian Champions. It was to herald the start of a reign of domination in the region and one of the best periods in Iranian football. Two more Asian championships (1972 and 1976) and in 1978 their first ever appearance in the finals of the World Cup in Argentina. Iran were beaten 3-0 by Holland, lost 4-1 to Peru, but managed an impressive 0-0 draw against Scotland. The team, with such stars as Ali Parvin, returned to Iran with their eyes firmly fixed on Spain in 1982.

But shortly after their return revolution broke out, throwing the country into chaos. In 1980 Iran and Iraq were at war and football was quickly relegated in importance. The 1980’s were difficult for Iranian football. Despite such talented players as Changeeze Khan, Farshad Pious, Karim Bavi and Sirous Ghiaghran, the national team were unable to dominate Asia. After the war in 1988, Iran began to again make an impression, finishing third in the Asian Championship, beating host nation Qatar 2-0, the UAE 1-0 and China 3-0 on the way.

Despite failing to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Iranian football was still one of the powers in Asia. In 1996 it collected another third place in the Asian Championship. Iran qualified for France after a dramatic 2-2 draw over Australia in Melbourne. The Iranian were 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go but fought back to equalise and book their ticket for 1998 on away goals.